Ornamental article and method of fabricating the same



May 19, 1936. J. N. OTAR 2,041,481

ORNAMENTAL ARTICLE AND METHOD OF FABRICATING THE SAME Filed May 25, 1933kia'ofz Patented May 19, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ORNAIWENTALARTICLE AND METHOD OF FABRICATING THE SAME 14 Claims.

This invention relates to articles of an ornamental nature and to themethod of fabricating the same.

According to my invention, I fabricate objects and articles, which maybe of utilitarian nature or otherwise, and possessing unusual,decorative and artistic appearance, by arranging a plurality of flat,suitably apertured frames, plates, or discs of desired geometric designor perimeter on a common axial member extending through said apertures,in such manner that the frames, plates, or discs,hereinafter termedflatelements, are superimposed on each other in parallel relation and lieflatly against each other. The axial member may have fixed thereto atone end an end plate against which the flat elements are put undersuitable compression by an end member secured to the other end of theaxial member, whereby the flat elements are axially related on saidaxial member. Assembly of the flat elements between the end plates inthe aforesaid manner and, under suitable compression, causes saidelements to frictionally engage against each other and to be restrainedagainst axial displacement, while at the same time they may be turned ortwisted relatively to each other about the common axis to expose faceportions of adjacent elements, thus to give a desired ornamental orartistic effect to the article.

The axial member on which the flat elements are arranged or threaded maybe in the nature of a solid core or stem, as for example where thearticle is intended for utilitarian use as a candle stick, with thesocket for the candle end formed in or on one of the end members, suchas the top end plate. Alternatively, the common axial member may be inthe nature of a tube or sleeve, with one end closed whereby the axialmember in conjunction with its end closure forms a receptacle. Suchlatter articles may constitute match holders, vases, and the like. Ahigh degree of latitude is permitted in the geometrical design of theflat elements, and the perimeter of the elements, for example, may betriangular, square, rectangular, circular, oval, octagonal, etc.,depending upon the ultimate design required. The ornamental effect ofthe article or object constructed in accordance with the above may beheightened by making the flat elements of different metals ofharmonizing or contrasting colors or shades, and alternating such inconsistent series, or arranging a series of elements from one metal toalternate with a series of elements formed from another metal.

Referring to the drawing, wherein are illustrated typical examples ofarticles or objects constructed in accordance with my invention, Fig. 1is an elevation of an ornamental article according to my invention foruse, for example, as a match holder or safe;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the article illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a vertical section taken along lines 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a section through another article constructed in accordancewith my invention for use as a cigarette holder;

Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are plan views of typical flat elements fromwhich articles or objects may be constructed in accordance with myinvention; and

Fig. 10 is illustrative of another article, such as a lamp base,constructed in accordance with my invention.

In the drawing, and referring particularly to Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 5, thereis illustrated an ornamental article in the nature of a match holder orsafe, such article being formed by disposing about a core membercomprising a tubular sleeve I0, a sheathing or enclosing body composedby a plurality of apertured flat elements comprising triangular framesII (see Fig. 5), said frames lying flatly against each other insuperimposed relation and compressed between bottom and top plates I2,l3 which are preferably of triangular design to correspond in size andappearance to the frame elements I I. By reference to Fig. 3, sleeve i0is threaded at its lowermost end and. is engaged by threads 14 formed ina central bore or aperture of said end plate I2 whereby the end plateand sleeve are secured in substantially fixed relation. Upon assembly ofthe frames II on the sleeve I!) through the substantial length of thesleeve, top plate I 3 may be similarly threaded to the upper end ofsleeve N, such association putting the frames under a degree ofcompression, and axially relating the frames with respect to the sleeve.Other forms of connecting the end plates to the core member may besubstituted, such as by sweating, brazing, or crimping of the parts;again suitable locking devices may be cooperated with the aforesaidparts with good effect. I

Sleeve I0 is preferably closed at its bottom end by a base or closureplate l1, also of triangular formation, said base plate lying flatlyagainst end plate I2 and being secured thereto by screws I8 arrangednear the apices of the triangular plate ll, the said screws beingprovided with spherical heads 20 which function as supporting pedestalsfor the article. I

The upper end of sleeve I0 may be closed by a lid or cover 2| having aknob or handle 22, the cover being provided on its under face with acircular shoulder 23 of slightly lesser diameter than that of the sleeveI0, for the purpose of centering the cover on the article proper.

By reference to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be seen that the triangularframes H are turned or twisted relatively to each other about the axisof sleeve ID, the angle of displacement between the bottom and topframes ll being approximately 120. Such twisted arrangement isillustrative of a preferred arrangement giving unusual and ar tisticeffects to the article, but such arrangement is typical only, as theframes may be untwisted with relation to each other, that is to say,they may directly overlie each other, or they may be twisted an amountgreater than 120 depending on the height of the article.

In Fig. 5 there is illustrated one form of constructing the triangularframes H, such comprising the association of strips Ha, I lb and He intriangular form as illustrated. Such a frame is provided with atriangular aperture, whereby a plurality of such frames may be threadedon an axial member such as sleeve II]. An alternative form of triangularelement is illustrated in Fig. 6, such comprising a triangular stampingor plate I Id with a central aperture I la of preferably circularformation.

Fig. '7 is illustrative of a flat member having an alternative geometricdesign as contemplated by me, in which the flat member 25 is rectangularand is provided with a circular aperture 26. A plurality of rectangularplate members 25 are associated in the fabrication of an ornamentalarticle which may be in the nature of the cigarette holder illustratedin Fig. 4, the said plates 25 being disposed about the axially extendingsleeve 21 and axially related thereto between end plates 28, 30 in themanner previously described. Sleeve 21 is closed at its bottom end by arectangular plate 3| lying flatly against end plate 28 and securedthereto by corner screws 32 having ball or spherical heads 33, on whichthe article is supported. The sleeve 21 is of sufficient diameter toreceive a cup or receptacle 35, into the end wall of which is secured astem 36 which extends to the top of sleeve 21 and is threaded into acover or lid 31 and a handle or knob 38. The lid 37 is suitablyshouldered as at 40 whereby it may be centered. Sleeve 21 is ofsufficient depth that articles, such as cigarettes supported in the cupor receptacle 35, may be accommodated within the sleeve, it beingunderstood that, as knob 38 is grasped and the lid and receptacle 35raised through the medium of stem 36, the cigarettes are projected abovethe top open end of the sleeve 21.

In the Fig. 4 construction, the plates 25, as with the Fig. 1construction, may be turned or twisted about the axis of sleeve 2!approximately throughout the length of sleeve 21. Or, as illustrated,they may be arranged to directly overlie each other, or they may betwisted throughout a greater angle, say for the length of the sleeve 21.The Fig. 4 construction indicates a further possible arrangement ofelements permitted by the present invention, such comprising theassociation of groups of the plates 25 in directly overlying relation,with groups instead of individual elements turned with respect toeachother about the axis of sleeve 21.

As previously indicated, the ornamental effects of articles constructedin accordance with my invention may be heightened by constructingcertain of the triangular or rectangular plate or frame members, asdescribed, of one metal such as copper, and other frame or plateelements from another metal such as brass. The elements of brass may bealternated with the elements of copper as is diagrammaticallyillustrated in Fig. 1 wherein triangular frame A may represent framesformed of copper strips with the next adjacent frames B representing aframe of brass strips. Alternatively, a series of copper elements A, asindicated in Fig. 4, may be alternated with a series of brass elementsB. It will again be understood that mention of copper or brass elementsis representative of a typical arrangement, as other combinations ofmetals providing distinct color effects may be used. Incidentally, theplate or frame elements may be fabricated from any metal stock suitablefor the manufacture of articles of the character described, and arepreferably highly polished and treated to resist atmospheric conditionsfor long periods of time.

In addition to the geometrical design of the flat elements illustratedin Figs. 5, 6 and '7, Figs. 8 and 9 are representative of flat elementshaving other geometrical design or configuration, all as contemplated bythe present invention. Fig. 8 is representative of an oval disc providedwith a central aperture whereby the disc may be disposed over thecentral core or axial member, and Fig. 9 represents a rectangular plateelement similarly provided with a centering aperture. It will beappreciated that geometrical designs other than those mentioned above orillustrated may be utilized, it being preferable, however, that thedesign of an element be such that different portions of its perimeterare at different distances from the axis of the core or axial member.

In Fig. 10, I have illustrated another article fabricated in accordancewith the present teaching, such comprising a lamp 50 having its baseformed by axially relating on a central core, which may be hollow toreceive the wire for bulb 5|, a plurality of flat triangular frame orplate elements 52. Said elements may be progressively reduced indimension from a plate or frame intermediate the height of the base, andto form stepped base and top portions, as illustrated, although otherarrangements may be found desirable for different ornamental effects.The elements 52 may be axially related on the core by end securing meanswhich may form part of the lamp structure or otherwise, and may betwisted or turned about the axis of the core, as previously described.

While it is preferable to fabricate the flat elements of whatevergeometrical design to be utilized from metal stock, it will be apparentthat other materials might be substituted, such as heavy paper stocksuitably formed or stamped and colored and thereafter associated to forman article or articles of the above nature, and all such arrangementsare intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

In the foregoing description, I have described and illustrated certainarticles identified as match and cigarette holders, and also a pluralityof plate or frame elements of differing geometric design. It will beunderstood that such articles are typical of many articles capable offabrication with the principle of the present invention, and furtherthat plate or frame elements of other geometric design than thoseillustrated may be associated in the fabrication of all such articlescapable of being fabricated Within the spirit of the present invention.Further, I do not wish to be limited in the size of the articles or ofthe elements making up the same, as such will depend on the particulardesign, article and/0r ornamental effect desired.

Without further analysis the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist ofthis invention that others can by applying current knowledge readilyadapt it for various applications without omitting certain featuresthat, from the standpoint of the prior art, fairly constitute essentialcharacteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention,and therefore such adaptations should and are intended to becomprehended within the meaning and range of equivalency of thefollowing claims.

I claim:

1. An ornamental article including an axially extending member andoperatively related thereto a plurality of flat elements engaging flatlyon each other and each provided with an opening through which saidmember extends, whereby the elements provide a built-up body about saidmember, the elements being each so related to said axially extendingmember that different portions of the perimeter of an element are atdifferent distances from the axis of said member, and certain of theelements being turned with respect to other elements to expose faceportions of said other elements.

2. An ornamental article including an axially extending member andoperatively related thereto a plurality of flat elements engaging flatlyon each other and each provided with an opening through which saidmember extends, whereby the elements provide a built-up body about saidmember, the elements having perimeters of uniform design and being sorelated to said axially extending member that different portions of theperimeter of an element are at different distances from the axis of saidmember, and certain of the elements being turned with respect to otherelements to expose face portions of said other elements.

3. An ornamental article including an axially extending member andoperatively related thereto a plurality of flat elements engaging flatlyon each other and each provided with an opening through which saidmember extends, whereby the elements provide a built-up body about saidmember, the elements being each so related to said axially extendingmember that different portions of the perimeter of an element are atdifferent distances from the axis of said member, each of the elementsbeing turned equally with respect to an adjacent element to expose faceportions of the adjacent element.

4. An ornamental article including an axially extending member andoperatively related thereto a plurality of flat elements engaging flatlyon each other and each provided with an opening through which saidmember extends, whereby the elements provide a built-up body about saidmem ber, the elements having their perimeters of uniform design andbeing so related to said axially extending member that differentportions of the perimeter of an element are at different distances fromthe axis of said member, each of said ele ments being turned equallywith respect to an adjacent element to expose face portions of theadjacent element.

5. An ornamental receptacle including an axially extending receptaclemember and operatively related thereto a plurality of flat elementsengaging flatly on each other and each provided with an opening throughwhich said receptacle member extends, whereby the elements provide asheathing about said receptacle member, the elements being each sorelated to said receptacle member that different portions of theperimeter of an element are at different distances from the axis of saidreceptacle member, certain of the elements being turned with respect toother elements to expose face portions of said other elements.

6. An ornamental receptacle including an axially extending receptaclemember and operatively related thereto a plurality of flat elementsengaging flatly on each other and each provided with an opening throughwhich said receptacle member extends, whereby the elements provide asheathing about said receptacle member, the elements having perimetersof uniform design and being so related to said receptacle member thatdifferent portions of the perimeter of each element are at diiferentdistances from the axis of said receptacle member, and certain of theelements being turned with respect to other elements to expose faceportions of said other elements.

7. An ornamental receptacle including an axi-' ally extending receptaclemember and operatively related thereto a plurality of flat elementsengaging flatly on each other and each provided With an opening throughwhich said receptacle member extends, whereby the elements provide asheathing about said receptacle member, the elements being each sorelated to said receptacle member that different portions of theperimeter of each element are at different distances from the axis ofsaid receptacle member, and. each of the elements being turned equallywith respect to an adjacent element to expose face portions of theadjacent element.

8. An ornamental receptacle including an axially extending receptaclemember and operatively related thereto a plurality of flat elementsengaging flatly on each other and each provided with an opening throughwhich said receptacle member extends, whereby the elements provide asheathing about said receptacle member, the elements having perimetersof uniform design and being so related to said receptacle member thatdifferent portions of the perimeter of each element are at differentdistances from the axis of said receptacle member, and each of theelements being turned equally with respect to an adjacent element toexpose face portions of the adjacent element.

9. An ornamental article including an axially extending member, endplates secured to said member, and a plurality of flat elements disposedflatly on each other and each provided with an opening through whichsaid member extends, said elements being held in frictional engagementby and between said end plates, the elements being each so related tosaid axially extending member that different portions of the perimeterof each element are at different distances from the axis of said member,the elements being turned with relation to each other to expose faceportions of adjacent elements.

10. An ornamental receptacle or the like including an axially extendingreceptacle member, end plat-es secured thereto, and a plurality of flatelements disposed flatly on each other and each provided with an openingthrough which said receptacle member extends, said elements being heldin frictional engagement by and between said end plates, the elementsbeing each so related to said receptacle member that different portionsof the perimeter of an element are at different distances from the axisof said receptacle memher, and the elements being turned with respect toeach other to expose face portions of adjacent elements.

11. An ornamental receptacle or the like including an axially extendingtubular member, end plates secured at the ends of said tubular member,means for closing one end of said tubular member, and a plurality offiat elements disposed flatly on each other and each provided with anopening through which said tubular member extends, said elements beingheld in frictional engagement by and between said end plates, theelements being each so related to said tubular member that differentportions of the perimeter of an element are at different distances fromthe axis of said tubular member, and the elements being turned withrespect to each other to expose face portions of adjacent elements.

12. An ornamental receptacle or the like including an axially extendingtubular member, end plates secured to said member, a closure plateoperatively related to one end of the tubular memher and secured to anend plate, and a plurality of fiat elements disposed flatly on eachother and each provided with an opening through which said tubularmember extends, said elements being held in frictional engagement by andbetween said end plates, the elements being so related to said tubularmember that different portions of the perimeter of an element are atdifferent distances from the axis of said tubular member, and theelements being turned with respect to each other to expose face portionsof adjacent elements.

13. The method of fabricating ornamental articles which consists in thesteps of relating a plurality of apertured flat elements in superimposedrelation and about an axially extending member in such manner thatportions of the perimeter of each element are at different distancesfrom the axis of said member, and turning the elements with respect toeach other and about said axis whereby to expose face portions ofadjacent elements.

14. The method of fabricating ornamental articles which consists in thesteps of relating a plurality of apertured flat elements in superimposedrelation and about an axially extending member in such manner thatportions of the perimeter of each element are at different distancesfrom the axis of said member, actuating said elements into frictionalengagement with each other whereby to position said elements axiallywith respect to said member, and turning the elements with respect toeach other and about the axis of said member whereby to expose faceportions of adjacent elements.

JOHN NICHOLAS OTAR.

